Andrea Hurley’s name was heard once again through basketball circles — this time, not in a broadcast booth, but on podcasts. As the wife of UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley, Andrea has been making people laugh and sharing candid insights about being married to one of college basketball’s most driven coaches. This time, though, her previous podcast appearance has led to a unique New Year’s goal for her husband as he sets off on a groundbreaking mission.

The UConn Huskies, under Dan Hurley’s leadership, are chasing an elusive milestone: It is a three-peat NCAA championship. Having clinched consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, the Huskies are now aiming to equal the record of the UCLA team of the 1960s and 70s. 

Andrea Hurley is a true presence behind the sidelines. Married to Dan for over 25 years, she’s been by his side through it all while carving out her own unique role. Known for her honesty, Andrea once admitted she had “zero interest” in basketball. But that hasn’t stopped her from being a steady force for UConn’s young athletes—baking them birthday treats and even sticking to Dan’s quirky superstitions.

When asked about New Year’s resolution for UConn, Jeff Goodman humorously took aim at Dan Hurley’s infamous critiques on the Field of 68: After Dark podcast. “My resolution for Dan. Stop taking shots at podcasts. Come on, man! Andrea Hurley was a podcast star at one time on the field of 68 Network. ‘Ball is wife’—Andrea Hurley, Nicole Kellogg—the wife of Derek Kellogg; they did a podcast on our show and he’s taking shots at podcast. I don’t know who he was talking to,” he quipped, referencing Andrea’s time as a podcast star on the same network.

The comment was also about the “Ball is Wife” podcast that Andrea used to co-host with Nicole Kellogg, where they provided an insight into the life of basketball coaches’ wives. But more importantly, her impact on Dan’s life has been undeniable, dating all the way back to their days at Seton Hall University.

She’s even helped shape major career moves, like when Dan chose to join UConn instead of chasing more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. Andrea Hurley’s interviews are still popular to this day. Her anecdotes on Providence fans’ unruly behavior, or Dan’s quirky superstitions, give a behind-the-scenes view of what it’s like spending time with the Huskies head coach.

Andrea’s presence, both as a stabilizing force and as a media personality, is undeniable as Dan Hurley takes UConn kicking and screaming towards a historic three-peat. 

Dan Hurley and UConn’s road to NCAA three-peat

There are so many hurdles and so much expectation in the Huskies’ path to a three-peat. Rebounding from their record-breaking 2024 season, UConn has shown their ability to be a top-tier national team. Even when losing some of their best players to the NBA. Talented returners like Alex Karaban, who opted out of the draft to “run it back” have bolstered the roster. And the influx of new talent has firmed up the roster.

A three-peat in NCAA basketball is historically a rare thing. But only seven programs have held consecutive titles, none since Florida in 2006-07. UConn now stands on the brink of history, ready to carve its name alongside UCLA’s storied legacy. But there is a demanding schedule, first of all, marquee matchups with Creighton and other top teams.

Dan Hurley’s high standards help drive the Huskies, but sustaining excellence is a tough job. External and internal expectations will challenge the journey forward for the team. But UConn’s resilience and flexibility — paired with a coach unwilling to accept anything but the best — makes the idea of a three-peat feel enticingly possible.